Middle school basketball

Published: Monday, Dec. 9, 2013 12:30 a.m. CST

8th girls

The Creston girls battled visiting Clarinda to the end here Thursday, falling 34-23 after trailing just 15-13 at halftime.

Sophia Groumoutis scored seven points for Creston and Chloe Hagle had a strong overall game with six points, five rebounds and two assists. The Panthers had an off night at the free throw line, finishing 8-of-32.

"The girls played hard in a rough game," Creston coach Sarah Stephens said. "Clarinda was a good team, but our girls played as a team and showed a lot of improvement."

Stephens said the B team also showed improvement in a 5-5 tie with Clarinda.

The Creston seventh-grade girls raced to a 27-4 halftime lead on the way to a 49-8 victory over Clarinda Thursday.

Taylor Buxton had 16 points and nine rebounds in Creston's second victory of the week. The Panthers had 31 steals, led by Brielle Baker's eight.

"Great defensive effort, especially Brielle Baker guarding their best player," coach Larry Peterson said. "The girls were unselfish with some sharp fast-break passes. They were playing the right way and having fun."

Breanna Ross did all of the scoring for Creston in a 6-1 B game victory. Devon Buls had four rebounds and two steals. Emma Pingree had three steals and three rebounds.